Arthur Warren
Principal
Woodbridge High School, Samuel Lupo Place, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Category: Secondary Principal - Central Region
Arthur Warren has been principal of Woodbridge High School for eight years. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and master’s from Kean University. He has served the Woodbridge district since 1989.
Mr. Warren has a clear sense of the central role played by the principal and by the school leadership in shaping and carrying out educational goals. "My role," he notes, "is to set high expectations, model professionalism, and act as ‘coach’ and ‘cheerleader’ for students and teachers while encouraging an ongoing learning environment."
During his tenure as principal, Woodbridge High School has enjoyed a renaissance that is reflected in significantly higher standardized test scores, in hosts of new programs, and in greatly enhanced participation by parents and community in the development and implementation of school programs.
In pursuing the goals of the Core Curriculum Content Standards, he has taken a creative, multifaceted approach, galvanizing staff and mobilizing resources to achieve curriculum goals, including cross-content workplace readiness standards. He has also initiated a 21-day basic skills pullout program to elevate students who have failed to demonstrate high levels of proficiency.
Acknowledging the importance of the formal curriculum, Mr. Warren points out that the "hidden curriculum" -- creation of a positive and safe school climate -- is as important as the formal curriculum in promoting a successful school experience. To promote that hidden curriculum, the school publishes BEAT Newsletter and includes student representatives at Board meetings. Teachers are also empowered to share curricular ideas with colleagues in school wide workshops.
He strives to have all students, all parents, and all faculty in the loop and participating and contributing. To that end, he involves parents in block committees where questions are raised and addressed.
Mr. Warren also realizes how important it is that students know and experience the work and business world. Hundreds of Woodbridge High School students participate in a cooperative program in marketing, business, and industry. And each year the school hosts an Employers Appreciation Luncheon. Mr. Warren is strongly committed to the principle that multidisciplinary core content must be integrated through relevant work experiences. Among the work experiences offered his students are a Robotics program, a film production studio, and an assembly program.
Woodbridge Mayor Jim McGreevey highlighted one of the reasons for Mr. Warren’s success. "When people joke that Mr. Warren never leaves Woodbridge High School, they are not too far from the truth. He makes it a point to attend every school event from concerts to football games Ñ and he can easily call any of the school’s 1,600 students by name."
As one of his teachers said "Mr. Warren combines a steady no-nonsense attitude with genuine compassionate concern that is both palpable and contagious."